Juneau – Alaska – USA

Welcome to the Juneau cruise port guide. Juneau is the smallest state capital of the largest state of the United States: Alaska. It is the gateway to the glaciers, wildlife and nature. Perhaps it’s even the best port of call in Southeast Alaska. The town is surrounded by the inter coastal waterways, by the Tongas National Rain Forest and the glaciers from the Juneau ice field. It is also know as cultural and transportation hub and this makes it the heart of Southeast Alaska. Back in the days Juneau was called Dzantik’i Heeni (meaning Base of the Flounder’s river). When in 1880 Richard Harris and Joe Juneau found gold at the mouth of the Gold Creek, the rush was on. Soon miners, saloons and missionaries would create the community of Harrisburg that would later be recalled Juneau. According to local legend ofter Joe Juneau bought a few rounds the night before the vote. In 60 years Juneau would export 150 million worth of gold, that would be 7 billion US dollar today. Wether you are looking for wildlife, art, culture or scenery it is all within reach from this port of call. Find out underneath what there is to see and do in Juneau.

This is the S. Franklink dock in Juneau. This dock, the cruise terminal dock and the tender pier are right in town. Only if your ships docks at the AJ dock you will need a shuttle service to get into town.

You will find a visitors information centre at the cruise terminal dock right in the centre of town. Walk in for any kind of information about transportation, hiking of shopping.

When it’s a busy day in Juneau one of the ships might have to tender. It will drop anchor and tender you to shore with its smaller lifeboats. The lifeboats will drop you off in the centre of town.

There is public transportation available in Juneau. Pick up the city bus in town. Keep in mind the tourist attractions are about 1 mile walk from the nearest bus stop.

In town you will find several local tour operators that offer their excursions on the dock and in town. They are often cheaper than your ships excursions, but they don’t provide the same service that would expect from your ships shore excursions.

Cruise Port Guide Juneau – Alaska – USA: docked

In Juneau there are about 5 docks available for cruise ships: S. Franklin Street dock, Intermediate Vessel Float, Cruise Ship Terminal, Alaska Steam Ship Dock and A.J. Dock. All of them are basically in front of the town centre and it is only a few minutes walk to the Main street, Franklin street and Boardwalk.

The only exception is the A.J. Dock. This dock is about 20 minutes walk from town, but there is a local shuttle bus provided for a small fee.

In town you will find lots of facilities for tourist. At the docks is the tourist information for any kind of information. You will find booths that are selling shore excursions and shuttle busses to the Mendenhall glacier. Other than that you will get lots in between saloons and souvenir shops.

Shuttle bus to Mendenhall glacier

All over town and especially around the docks you will find there is a local shuttle bus offered to the Mendenhall Visitors Centre where you will have a good view over the glacier. The shuttle costs 20 dollars round trip per person. Buy the tickets directly at the local tour operators you will find on the dock.

Taxis in Juneau

The taxis in Juneau are usually available at the dock, but keep in mind they are quite pricey. Therefore it might be better to prearrange it. To give you an idea on the cost:

A taxi from the dock to the Mendenhall Glacier:

$72 round trip for 1 passenger

$78 round trip for 5 passenger

$85 round trip for 10 passengers

Compared to the cost of the Mendenhall shuttle bus it will be cheaper to take a taxi if your group is 4 persons or more.

Public Transportation

The public transport system in and around Juneau has been created to serve the local community. It is not ideal for tourist to take because they don’t directly stop at the tourist sights and attractions. However, if you are on a budget and willing to walk for a bit, it might be interesting for you. Find the local bus station right in town. Bus 3 and 4 serve the area around Juneau. Nearest stop to Mendenhall Glacier is 1 mile walk. Nearest stop to Glacier Gardens is less than a mile walk. Nearest stop to Salmon Hatchery is only a few minutes walk. Buy your tickets at the bus office or on the bus itself. Tickets cost 2 dollars and you need to have exact fare. Busses depart around 2 times per hour. More information can be found on www.juneau.org/capitaltransit

Shore Excursions

Although Juneau is a charming town we strongly feel you should get outside of the city border to get a true feel for Alaska. The town is spread on about 9 blocks and you’ll be threw it before you know it. There are many tours that are offerred in Juneau. Think about kayaking, biking, hiking, flight-seeing, gold panning you name it. Tours can be bought on board of your ship and shore side.

Hiking

There is more miles of trails than miles of road in Juneau. In fact, there is a total of 250 miles of trails, most starting within the city limits. Always visit the Visitors Centre first to check on the latest condition of the tracks and to pick up a map. The most popular hiking routes starting in the city of Juneau are the Perseverance trail and Mt. Robert trail. Find the information on these trails at the tourist information center in town.

FAQ about cruise destination Juneau

– What will the weather be like? No idea! That’s the best answer we can give you. We notice that even the weather forecast is wrong all the time and weather can change rapidly. Be prepared for sunshine and rain and you should be good.

– Do I need a fishing license? Yes, only if you are 16 or older. You can purchase licenses and permits online. Visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website www. adding.alaska.gov for information about license.

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